Hair retention device/hair pin

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to hair retention and securing devices that provide novel and efficient inconspicuous hair pins or clips that enable a user to retain his or her hair in a particular position while limiting the hair clip&#39;s exposure to the viewing public. The hair retention and securing device comprises a first leg pivotally connected to a second leg via a flexible member. The first and second legs are adapted to slide easily into hair and firmly hold the hair in place without crimping, creasing or causing damage the hair. The second leg is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp of the user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to a provisional application, U.S. Ser.No. 62/173,549, filed Jun. 10, 2015, entitled Inconspicuous Hair Pin,which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to hair retention and securing devicesand hair pins for holding and retaining hair and, more particularly, tohair retention and securing devices and hair pins which are contoured tofit comfortably against the scalp of a user, are concealed in the hairand do not crimp, pull or cause damage to the hair.

BACKGROUND

Hair accessory devices are commonly designed to hold and secure hair ina desired position. These devices include hair pins, hair clips, clawsand hair ties. However, these devices have several limitations. Commonproblems and limitations with typical hair pins include that they do nothold/secure the hair well unless a multitude of them are used and theyare uncomfortable. Common problems and limitations with typical hairclips, claws and hair ties include that they are not concealed in thehair when in use, they are uncomfortable to wear, and they crimp thehair as well as pull and cause damage to the hair.

In view of the above, there is therefore a need for a hair retention andsecuring device that is concealed in the hair when in use, iscomfortable to wear and does not crimp, pull or cause damage to thehair.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or moreimplementations in order to provide a basic understanding of someimplementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of allcontemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key orcritical elements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of anyor all implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts ofone or more implementations in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

According to one feature, a hair retention and securing device isprovided. The hair retention and securing device comprises a first leghaving a first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first innersurface having a first set of undulations; a second leg having a secondouter surface and a second inner surface, the second inner surfacehaving a second set of undulations; and a flexible member connecting thefirst leg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and thesecond set of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible membercomprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface formingan open section.

According to one aspect, the second outer surface of the second leg hasan arcuate shape.

According to another aspect, the first outer surface has one or moredepressions.

According to another aspect, the first faceted surface has an octagonalshape, the second faceted surface has an octagonal shape and the opensection has an octagonal shape.

According to another aspect, the first leg includes a first tip and thesecond leg includes a second tip, and wherein a gap is formed betweenthe first tip and the second tip for receiving the hair of a user. Thegap extends from the gripping elements to the first and second tip.

According to yet another aspect, a first gusset is connected between theouter faceted surface and the first leg and a second gusset is connectedbetween the outer faceted surface and the second leg.

According to another feature, a hair retention and securing device isprovided. The hair retention and securing device includes a first outersurface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface having afirst set of undulations and a first projection extending from the firstset of undulations to a first distance before a first tip of the firstleg; a second leg having a second outer surface and a second innersurface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations anda second projection extending from the second set of undulations to asecond distance before a second tip of the second leg; and a flexiblemember connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set ofundulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members,the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a facetedinner surface forming an open section;. A gap is formed between thefirst tip and the second tip for receiving hair of a user. The first andsecond projections form a clamping surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, nature, and advantages of the present aspects may becomemore apparent from the detailed description set forth below when takenin conjunction with the drawings in which like reference charactersidentify correspondingly throughout.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securing device,according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a bottom right side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom right side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing deviceof FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securing device,according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom left side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a top left side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing deviceof FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a hair retention and securingdevice, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top right side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a bottom left side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a top left side perspective view of the hair retention andsecuring device of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the hair retention and securing deviceof FIG. 13.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the hair retention and securing device ofFIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. The description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustratingthe general principles of the invention. Furthermore, in the followingdescription, specific details are given to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practicedwithout these specific details.

The term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” are not intended to exclude other additives, components,integers or steps. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” and similar referentsused herein are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural unless their usage in context indicates otherwise.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describecertain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. The term“hair retention and securing device” may refer to any device used tohold hair in place including, but not limited to, a hair pin, a hairfastener, and a hair clip. The term “flexible” is understood to meancapable of bending but also having some rigidity so the device mayreturn to its original shape and position to retain and secure the hairin place. The term “longitudinal” is understood to mean in a directioncorresponding to an elongated direction of the hair retention andsecuring device.

Overview

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to hair retention andsecuring devices that provide novel and efficient inconspicuous hairpins or clips that enable a user to retain his or her hair in aparticular position while limiting the hair clip's exposure to theviewing public. The hair retention and securing device comprises a firstleg pivotally connected to a second leg via a flexible member. The firstand second legs are adapted to slide easily into hair and firmly holdthe hair in place without crimping, creasing or causing damage the hair.The second leg is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalpof the user.

Unlike traditional hair retention and securing devices, the hairretention and securing device of the present disclosure is concealed inthe hair when in use, is comfortable to wear and does not crimp, pull orcause damage to the hair. Furthermore, the hair retention and securingdevice of the present disclosure holds more hair than competingproducts, is a one-piece design for ease of manufacture, can be easilyopened, is easily inserted into place in the hair, provides a uniformpressure exerted on a clamping surface formed by the first and secondlegs, and is curved/contoured to fit comfortably against the scalp.

In one embodiment, the hair retention and securing devices may come indifferent sizes for different sized heads and amounts of hair. Forexample, as shown in the figures, the hair retention and securing devicemay come in a large size, a medium size and a small size. Although threedifferent sizes are shown, this is by way of example only.

The hair retention and securing device may be made with a polymer-basedmaterial, a metallic material, a composite material, or any othermaterial known in the art that allows the legs of the hair retention andsecuring device to be flexed without deforming their shape.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Large

FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 100according to a first embodiment. The hair retention and securing device100, having a proximal end 100 a and a distal end 100 b, comprises afirst leg 102 pivotally connected to a second leg 104 via a flexiblemember 106. Inner surfaces of the first leg 102 and the second leg 104define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 106 comprises a faceted outer surface 106 a and afaceted inner surface 106 b defining an open section 106 c which islarger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surfaceof the first leg 102 and the second leg 104. According to one aspect,the faceted outer surface 106 a, the faceted inner surface 106 b and theopen section 106 c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 106 a, 106 b can beutilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in thehair of a user and allow the first and second legs 102, 104 to be spreadopen allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into theopen section 106 c of the flexible member 106. Additionally, the facetson the faceted inner and outer surfaces 106 a, 106 b provide a clampingforce to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place withoutexerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, thefacets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows theflexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention andsecuring device to deliver consistent force to close the clampingsurfaces of the legs 102, 104, without exceeding the thermoplasticmaterials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

Inner surfaces of the first and second legs 102, 104 may include aplurality of undulations forming gripping elements 108 which slideeasily into hair when the hair retention and securing device is placedin the hair. Once in place, the gripping elements 108 hold the hairfirmly without crimping or creasing of the hair. Although theundulations are shown as being wave-like in appearance, the undulationsmay include other shapes and forms. For example, the undulations mayinclude sharp edges, comers, half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and acombination thereof. The undulations of the hair device 100 may begenerally complimentary to one another or may also be staggered or inopposition.

The first leg 102 may include a first projection 110 and the second leg104 may include a second projection 112, forming the clamping surfaces,for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According toone aspect, the length of the projections 110, 112 may be longer thanthey are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 103,105 of each leg. The design of the tips 103, 105 and the gap 107between, have been designed to automatically separate and introduce theideal amount of hair into the head and locking elements.

The first projection 110 on the first leg 102 extends from the first setof undulations to a first distance before the first tip 103 and thesecond projection 112 of the second leg 104 extends from the second setof undulations to a second distance before the second tip 105. The firstand second projections form a clamping surface.

The hair retention and securing device 100 may further includereinforced gussets 114 located between the legs and the flexible memberto reduce stress on the first leg 102, second leg 104 and flexiblemember 106.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer surface of the first leg 102 mayinclude one or more depressions 116. Hair may lay within the one or moredepressions 116 when the hair retention and securing device is securedin the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device100 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown havinga generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly slopingside members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 116 mayinclude other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 6, the outer surface of the second leg 104 may have agenerally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fitcomfortably against the scalp of a user.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Medium

FIGS. 7 to 12 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 200according to another embodiment. The hair retention and securing device200, having a proximal end 200 a and a distal end 200 b, comprises afirst leg 202 pivotally connected to a second leg 204 via a flexiblemember 206. Inner surfaces of the first leg 202 and the second leg 204define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 206 comprises a faceted outer surface 206 a and afaceted inner surface 206 b defining an open section 206 c which islarger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surfaceof the first leg 202 and the second leg 204. According to one aspect,the faceted outer surface 206 a, the faceted inner surface 206 b and theopen section 206 c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 206 a, 206 b can beutilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in thehair of a user and allow the first and second legs 202, 204 to be spreadopen allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into theopen section 206 c of the flexible member 206. Additionally, the facetson the faceted inner and outer surfaces 206 a, 206 b provide a clampingforce to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place withoutexerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, thefacets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows theflexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention andsecuring device to deliver consistent force to close the clampingsurfaces of the legs 202, 204, without exceeding the thermoplasticmaterials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

The first and second legs 202, 204 may include a plurality ofundulations forming gripping elements 208 which slide easily into hairwhen the hair retention and securing device is placed in the hair. Oncein place, the gripping elements 208 hold the hair firmly withoutcrimping or creasing of the hair. Although the undulations are shown asbeing wave-like in appearance, the undulations may include other shapesand forms. For example, the undulations may include sharp edges, comers,half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and a combination thereof. Theundulations of the hair device 200 may be generally complimentary to oneanother or may also be staggered or in opposition.

The first leg 202 may include a first projection 210 and the second leg204 may include a second projection 212, forming the clamping surfaces,for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According toone aspect, the length of the projections 210, 212 may be longer thanthey are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 203,205 of each leg.

The first projection 210 on the first leg 202 extends from the first setof undulations to a first distance before the first tip 203 and thesecond projection 212 of the second leg 204 extends from the second setof undulations to a second distance before the second tip 205. The firstand second projections 210, 212 form a clamping surface. The first andsecond distances of the hair retention and securing device in FIGS. 7 to12 is shorter than the first and second distances of the hair retentionand securing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

The design of the tips 203, 205 and the gap 207 between, have beendesigned to automatically separate and introduce the ideal amount ofhair into the head and locking elements.

The hair retention and securing device 200 may further includeReinforced gussets 214 located between the legs and the flexible memberto reduce stress on the first leg 202, second leg 204 and flexiblemember 206.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the outer surface of the first leg 202 mayinclude one or more depressions 216. Hair may lay within the one or moredepressions 216 when the hair retention and securing device is securedin the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device200 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown havinga generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly slopingside members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 216 mayinclude other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 12, the outer surface of the second leg 204 may have agenerally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fitcomfortably against the scalp of a user.

Hair Retention and Securing Device—Small

FIGS. 13 to 18 illustrate a hair retention and securing device 300according to a first embodiment. The hair retention and securing device300, having a proximal end 300 a and a distal end 300 b, comprises afirst leg 302 pivotally connected to a second leg 304 via a flexiblemember 306. Inner surfaces of the first leg 302 and the second leg 304define clamping surfaces for receiving and securing strands of hair.

The flexible member 306 comprises a faceted outer surface 306 a and afaceted inner surface 306 b defining an open section 306 c which islarger than the gap between the clamping surfaces of the inner surfaceof the first leg 302 and the second leg 304. According to one aspect,the faceted outer surface 306 a, the faceted inner surface 306 b and theopen section 306 c have a generally octagonal shape or configuration.

The facets on the faceted inner and outer surfaces 306 a, 306 b can beutilized to reduce the visible area of the device when secured in thehair of a user and allow the first and second legs 302, 304 to be spreadopen allowing hair to slide through or on the claiming surfaces into theopen section 306 c of the flexible member 306. Additionally, the facetson the faceted inner and outer surfaces 306 a, 306 b provide a clampingforce to be exerted on the hair firmly locking the hair in place withoutexerting so much force as to crimp or deform the hair. Furthermore, thefacets provide an enlarged stress relieving area which allows theflexible nature of the material used to form the hair retention andsecuring device to deliver consistent force to close the clampingsurfaces of the legs 302, 304, without exceeding the thermoplasticmaterials yield strength when the device is placed in the hair.

The first and second legs 302, 304 may include a plurality ofundulations forming gripping elements 308 which slide easily into hairwhen the hair retention and securing device is placed in the hair. Oncein place, the gripping elements 308 hold the hair firmly withoutcrimping or creasing of the hair. Although the undulations are shown asbeing wave-like in appearance, the undulations may include other shapesand forms. For example, the undulations may include sharp edges, comers,half arcs, rectangles, odd shapes, and a combination thereof. Theundulations of the hair device 300 may be generally complimentary to oneanother or may also be staggered or in opposition.

The first leg 302 may include a first projection 310 and the second leg304 may include a second projection 312, forming the clamping surfaces,for gliding through the hair without snagging or pulling. According toone aspect, the length of the projections 310, 312 may be longer thanthey are wide and taper from the clamping surface down to the tips 303,305 of each leg. The first projection 310 on the first leg 302 extendsfrom the first set of undulations to a first distance before the firsttip 303 and the second projection 312 of the second leg 304 extends fromthe second set of undulations to a second distance before the second tip305. The first and second projections 310, 312 form a clamping surface.The first and second distances of the hair retention and securing devicein FIGS. 13 to 18 is shorter than the first and second distances of thehair retention and securing device shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 as well as inFIGS. 7 to 12.

The design of the tips 303, 305 and the gap 307 between, have beendesigned to automatically separate and introduce the ideal amount ofhair into the head and locking elements.

The hair retention and securing device 300 may further includereinforced gussets 314 located between the legs and the flexible memberto reduce stress on the first leg 302, second leg 304 and flexiblemember 306.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the outer surface of the first leg 302 mayinclude one or more depressions 316. Hair may lay within the one or moredepressions 316 when the hair retention and securing device is securedin the hair of a user allowing the hair retention and securing device300 to be more easily concealed when in the hair. Although shown havinga generally V-shaped configuration with a base and two upwardly slopingslide members, this is by way of example only and the depressions 316may include other shapes, forms and configurations.

As shown in FIG. 18, the outer surface of the second leg 304 may have agenerally curved or arcuate configuration that is contoured to fitcomfortably against the scalp of a user.

Dimensions

The hair retention and securing devices in FIGS. 1 to 18 may have alongitudinal length, d1, of approximately 45 mm to 90 mm, a width, d2,of approximately 2 mm to 5 mm, a diameter, d3, of the open section ofthe flexible member of approximately 10 mm to 16 mm, a height, d4, ofthe flexible member of approximately 15 mm to 24 mm, a faceted length,d5, of approximately 6 mm to 10 mm for each facet in the faceted outersurface of the flexible member, a first vertical length, d6, ofapproximately 2 mm to 4.5 mm from an upper facet to an upper reinforcedgusset, a second vertical length, d7, of approximately 2 mm to 4.5 mmfrom a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leghaving a vertical height, d8, of approximately 1.5 mm to 3 mm and a tipof the second leg having a vertical height, d9, of approximately 2 to 4mm.

According to one embodiment, the hair retention and securing device ofFIGS. 1 to 6 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 86.4 mm, awidth of approximately 4.5 mm, a diameter of the open section of theflexible member of approximately 15.4 mm, a height of the flexiblemember of approximately 23.3 mm, a faceted length of approximately 9.4mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, afirst vertical length of approximately 3.9 mm from an upper facet to anupper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 3.9mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the firstleg having a vertical height of approximately 2.8 mm and a tip of thesecond leg having a vertical height of approximately 3.45 mm.

According to another embodiment, the hair retention and securing deviceof FIGS. 7 to 12 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 58 mm,a width of approximately 3 mm, a diameter of the open section of theflexible member of approximately 12.5 mm, a height of the flexiblemember of approximately 18.5 mm, a faceted length of approximately 7.5mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, afirst vertical length of approximately 3 mm from an upper facet to anupper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 3 mmfrom a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the first leghaving a vertical height of approximately 2.5 mm and a tip of the secondleg having a vertical height of approximately 2.7 mm.

According to another embodiment, the hair retention and securing deviceof FIGS. 13 to 18 may have a longitudinal length of approximately 48.6mm, a width of approximately 2.7 mm, a diameter of the open section ofthe flexible member of approximately 10.5 mm, a height of the flexiblemember of approximately 15.5 mm, a faceted length of approximately 6.3mm for each facet in the faceted outer surface of the flexible member, afirst vertical length of approximately 2.5 mm from an upper facet to anupper reinforced gusset, a second vertical length of approximately 2.5mm from a lower facet to a lower reinforced gusset, a tip of the firstleg having a vertical height of approximately 2 mm and a tip of thesecond leg having a vertical height of approximately 2.2 mm.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in theaccompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments aremerely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broad invention, andthat this invention is not be limited to the specific constructions andarrangements shown and described, since various other modifications mayoccur to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

1. A hair retention and securing device, comprising: a first leg havinga first outer surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surfacehaving a first set of undulations; a second leg having a second outersurface and a second inner surface, the second inner surface having asecond set of undulations; and a flexible member connecting the firstleg to the second leg and the first set of undulations and the secondset of undulations forming gripping members, the flexible membercomprising a faceted outer surface and a faceted inner surface formingan open section.
 2. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1,wherein the second outer surface of the second leg has an arcuate shape.3. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the firstouter surface has one or more depressions.
 4. The hair retention andsecuring device of claim 1, wherein the first faceted surface has anoctagonal shape.
 5. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1,wherein the second faceted surface has an octagonal shape.
 6. The hairretention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the open section hasan octagonal shape.
 7. The hair retention and securing device of claim1, wherein the first leg includes a first tip and the second legincludes a second tip, and wherein a gap is formed between the first tipand the second tip for receiving hair of a user.
 8. The hair retentionand securing device of claim 7, wherein the gap extends from thegripping elements to the first and second tip.
 9. The hair retention andsecuring device of claim 1, further comprising a first gusset connectedbetween the outer faceted surface and the first leg.
 10. The hairretention and securing device of claim 1, further comprising a secondgusset connected between the outer faceted surface and the second leg.11. The hair retention and securing device of claim 1, wherein the firstinner surface of the first leg further includes a first projectionextending from the first set of undulations to a first distance before afirst tip; wherein the second inner surface of the second leg furtherincludes a second projection extending from the second set ofundulations to a second distance before a second tip; and wherein thefirst and second projections form a clamping surface.
 12. A hairretention and securing device, comprising: a first leg having a firstouter surface and a first inner surface, the first inner surface havinga first set of undulations and a first projection extending from thefirst set of undulations to a first distance before a first tip of thefirst leg; a second leg having a second outer surface and a second innersurface, the second inner surface having a second set of undulations anda second projection extending from the second set of undulations to asecond distance before a second tip of the second leg; and a flexiblemember connecting the first leg to the second leg and the first set ofundulations and the second set of undulations forming gripping members,the flexible member comprising a faceted outer surface and a facetedinner surface forming an open section; and wherein a gap is formedbetween the first tip and the second tip for receiving hair of a user;and wherein the first and second projections form a clamping surface.13. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein thesecond outer surface of the second leg has an arcuate shape.
 14. Thehair retention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the first outersurface has one or more depressions.
 15. The hair retention and securingdevice of claim 12, wherein the first faceted surface has an octagonalshape.
 16. The hair retention and securing device of claim 12, whereinthe second faceted surface has an octagonal shape.
 17. The hairretention and securing device of claim 12, wherein the open section hasan octagonal shape.